# California Smoke Spotter — Prepare for smoke near you

> California smoke and wildfire forecasting with air quality alerts and health guidance. (iPhone/iPad app by California Air Resources Board.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/california-smoke-spotter/id1531391671 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [California Air Resources Board](https://appshunter.io/developer/1531391673)
- Category: Weather, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.82/5 from 22 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 44 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-05-20
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/california-smoke-spotter/id1531391671/reviews.md

## What is California Smoke Spotter?

California Smoke Spotter combines advanced smoke forecasting with the latest prescribed fire and wildfire mapping to help you plan your day. Download this app to find out where smoke is coming from, where it’s going, and what it means for your health. Learn more about prescribed fire, its benefits and how we can all plan for potential smoke impacts. 

Key features include:
• Current locations and details about prescribed fires and wildfires
• 72-hour statewide smoke and air quality forecasts
• Air Quality Index (AQI) data with real-time smoke conditions 
• Clean Air Center locations and details to get relief from smoke
• Personalized alerts notify users about nearby fires; Set up alerts for multiple locations
• Health information on how to protect yourself from smoke
• Spanish translation available (Traducción al español disponible)

## Key features

- Wildfire and prescribed fire mapping
- 72-hour smoke and air quality forecasts
- Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Clean Air Center locations
- Personalized fire alerts
- Smoke health information

## Chart rankings

- #200 in Top Free · Weather (US App Store)


## Frequently asked questions about California Smoke Spotter

### What is California Smoke Spotter?

California Smoke Spotter is a free weather app that provides advanced smoke forecasting and wildfire mapping specifically for California. It helps users understand where smoke is coming from, where it's going, and what it means for their health.

### Does California Smoke Spotter have ads?

No, California Smoke Spotter does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free application.

### How accurate are the smoke forecasts?

The app offers 72-hour statewide smoke and air quality forecasts, utilizing advanced smoke forecasting technology to provide users with the latest information.

### Can I get alerts for smoke in my area?

Yes, California Smoke Spotter offers personalized alerts that notify users about nearby fires. You can set up alerts for multiple locations to stay informed.

### What devices is California Smoke Spotter available on?

California Smoke Spotter is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### How often is California Smoke Spotter updated?

The app was last updated on March 14, 2025, indicating ongoing development and maintenance to ensure the information provided is current.

### Is California Smoke Spotter suitable for children?

Yes, California Smoke Spotter has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for children and adults alike.

### Where can I find relief from smoke using the app?

The app provides details on Clean Air Center locations, offering users information on where to find relief from smoke impacts.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.14 — 2025-03-14

Updated map now shows topography. New "List of Fires" feature on main map allows users to view prescribed fire and wildfire information at a glance, in a text-only grid format.

### 2.13 — 2024-12-18

Improved performance and fixed minor bugs

### 2.12 — 2024-09-20

California Smoke Spotter now features information on Clean Air Centers. These facilities provide a safe place with filtered air where people can go during periods of intense smoke or poor air quality. Clicking on a Clean Air Center icon on the map will display information including its address, operating hours, contact information and more. 

This update also includes information on the importance of Cultural Fire in the app's Learn section.

### 2.11 — 2024-03-27

- added functionality to view AQI forecast data
- Prescribed Fires Icon sizes are dynamic based on fire sizes

### 2.10 — 2024-03-23

• New, 72-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast for small particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Wildfire & prescribed fire icons have been resized to show fire size relative to other fires
• Health and Learn section menus have been redesigned for easier navigation

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## Related topics

[first alert smoke](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/first-alert-smoke) · [california fire alert](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/california-fire-alert) · [fire watch california](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/fire-watch-california)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*